NBA releases statement in support of a judge's ruling that Shelly Sterling has right to sell #Clippers

The NBA's reaction to the Sterling probate court hearing was predictable.

Relief on all counts. For now.

The league quickly released a statement Monday after a judge ruled in favor of Shelly Sterling, not Donald Sterling, in a tentative oral decision.

“We are pleased that the court has affirmed Shelly Sterling’s right to sell the Los Angeles Clippers to Steve Ballmer," said, Mike Bass, NBA executive vice president. "We look forward to the transaction closing as soon as possible.”

The ruling was handed down in Los Angeles Superior Court by Judge Michael Levanas.

Ballmer agreed in May to purchase the Clippers for $2 billion, a sale engineered by Shelly Sterling after her husband was banned from all NBA activities for life because of racially insensitive remarks.